According to Mets manager Terry Collins, infielder Wilmer Flores could possibly get some playing time at first base during Spring Training because there’s a good chance he’ll be the primary backup to Lucas Duda this season barring any new additions.
“We’re got to give Wilmer a chance to play around the infield a little bit more and put him in some different positions where you can give guys days off,” said Collins. “Wilmer and Ruben are going to give us those opportunities to give guys days off.
The recent acquisitions of second baseman Neil Walker and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera have given Flores an opportunity to become a super utility player of sorts for the Mets who can play all four infield positions.
Flores, 24, batted .263 with a .403 slugging percentage last season, with 22 doubles, 16 home runs and 59 RBI in 510 plate appearances.
He was diagnosed with a fractured left ankle a couple of weeks ago while playing Winter Ball in Venezuela and has been fitted with a walking boot. Assistant general manager John Ricco says he should be ready for spring training.
